Wagschal Shaul. Derech Eretz. A Torah guide to proper behavior in everyday life

The Judaica Press, 2012. — 101 p.
The mastery of any discipline can only be attained by continuous study and practice. Such devoted application is certainly necessary in order to be come proficient in the laws of the Shulchan Aruch and to refine one’s personality. Unfortunately, few people apply themselves with the same dedication toward reaching perfection in derech eretz.
In actuality, it is impossible to attain derech eretz unless one studies this subject with the same intensity as he would study the Shulchan Aruch or any other discipline. This is implied by the statement of the Sages, “The daughters of Tzlafchad were wise.” Rashbam writes that they were wise in derech eretz (Bava Basra 119a). This explanation reveals that the Torah considers derech eretz to be a wisdom. As with all wisdoms, it can be mastered only through care ful study and meticulous discipline.
Any person, even a talmid chacham, who believes that he is capable of behaving with derech eretz simply by relying on his own judgment is making an essential mistake.
This work is based on sources from the Talmud, Midrash and other classic works. It originally appeared in Hebrew under the title Darchei Noam (Ways of Pleasantness), inspired by the verse: “Its ways (the ways of the Torah) are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace” (Mishlei 3:17), for a person who behaves with derech eretz radiates a sense of peace and harmony, and inspires others to behave in a similar manner.
Rabbi Shaul Wagschal / 7 Adar 5751
Having been out of print for several years, this book is now the first of our father’s works to be republished following his passing. We hope that the study of this volume will be beneficial to those who strive to acquire the trait of derech eretz and will be an iluy neshamah for its author.
The Author’s sons / 11 Menachem Av 5772